By Blake Jackson
While Wisconsin is often celebrated for its dairy industry, the state also produces a remarkable diversity of crops. From tart cherries, cranberries, and sweet corn to beets and other vegetables, Wisconsin agriculture offers far more than milk and cheese.
The state also ranks third nationwide in potato production, trailing only Idaho and Washington, and stands as the largest potato producer east of the Mississippi River. Yet despite this abundance, only a small fraction of Wisconsin’s food spending remains local, with the majority directed toward products sourced elsewhere.
This imbalance presents an opportunity to strengthen the state’s economy and promote healthier, more sustainable food choices by encouraging residents to purchase local produce, especially potatoes.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) can play a vital role in shaping these habits. Through counseling, menu planning, and foodservice sourcing, RDNs can guide individuals and communities toward sustainable consumption patterns while promoting resilient and healthy food systems rooted in local agriculture.
Purchasing locally grown potatoes reduces “food miles,” cutting greenhouse gas emissions associated with long-distance transport. It also helps preserve farmland and open space, supporting responsible land use. Many Wisconsin potato growers participate in the Wisconsin Healthy Grown program, launched in the late 1990s.
This initiative sets rigorous sustainability standards covering water conservation, soil health, pest management, and pollinator protection. Farmers like Adam and Carrie Flyte of Flyte Family Farms exemplify these practices, expanding their acreage while maintaining a strong commitment to producing nutritious, sustainably grown food.
Potato farming in Wisconsin is deeply rooted in family traditions, with many multi-generational operations still thriving today. Buying local supports these farms, ensures fair returns, and sustains rural employment. The ripple effects extend throughout the economy, as farmers reinvest in local businesses, contractors, and suppliers.
Gumz Farms, a fourth-generation family operation in South Central Wisconsin, highlights how specialty crops like potatoes and onions contribute $6.4 billion annually to the state economy and support over 132,000 jobs. As co-owner Rod Gumz puts it, reinvesting locally creates “a cycle of support that benefits everyone.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-npantos
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables